Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Hornady offers a range of press accessories designed for dependability and repeatability. A large part of an enjoyable reloading experience is high-quality accessories. The press accessories include bullet feeding, case prep, and bullet-pulling tools. 

A time-consuming part of the reloading process is bullet feeding. The Hornady line of bullet feeders automates this process for quick and quality reloads. The Lock-N-Load® Rifle Bullet Feeder .22 Cal is a complete unit for loading .22 caliber bullets into cartridges. It is designed for the Lock-N-Load AP press for a streamlined reloading process but can be used on any press with 7/8″ -14 die threads. A .30 caliber conversion kit is also available to reload the two most popular rifle calibers. For handgun calibers, the Lock-N-Load® Pistol Bullet Feeder offers the same speed and precision as the Rifle Bullet Feeder but in pistol cartridges. 

The line of press accessories also includes bullet-pulling equipment. The L-N-L® Impact Bullet Puller removes bullets and powder without damaging cases or bullets. The tool is shaped like a hammer. To pull a bullet, insert the cartridge into the proper size collet, tighten the cap, and tap on a hard service until the cartridge separates. Another means of bullet removal is the Cam Lock Bullet Puller. The puller seats in a press like a traditional die. The correct size collet clamps on the bullet for quick and easy removal.

For a complete package of reloading accessories, the Hornady Lock-N-Load® Precision Reloaders Kit is available. This kit features every accessory to align, trim, and prep cases for reloading. The Concentricity Tool identifies bullet runoff and adjusts it. To trim cases, the Cam Lock Trimmer is a micro-adjustable trimmer capable of restoring cartridges to the correct length. The additional Case Prep Trio provides an automated solution to pocket primer cleaning and case neck deburring. Other accessories in the kit include the Steel Dial Caliper, Lock-N-Load® Comparator Set, Lock-N-Load® Comparator Head Space Kit, Cam Lock Power Adaptor, and Lock-N-Load® OAL Gauge Curved.

Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing.

Over the past few years GPO has clearly set the industry bar for performance, quality and value in rangefinding binoculars with its lineup of RANGEGUIDE rangefinding binoculars. No matter whether you’re a bowhunter or hunt with firearms, a quality laser rangefinder will help you more precisely make the shot no matter the distance. With the advent of high-quality rangefinding binoculars, packing separate units afield is no longer required. With four options to select from, a 10×50, 8×50, 8×32 and 10×32, GPO offers a rangefinding binocular to fit the needs of just about everyone.

“One of the problems our customers have is trying to figure out which rangefinder is best for them ,” said Mike Jensen, GPO, USA’s owner and CEO. “There are so many benefits to each of our RANGEGUIDES it is often hard to determine exactly which is best suited for their specific needs.

“This new video from Backwoods Pursuit on YouTube TV gives a concise look at both the GPO RANGEGUIDE 32 and RANGEGUIDE 5O, how they compare and which might be right for each individuals’ needs. It is certainly worth the watch,” concluded Jensen.

To see the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xd3xluNRE8. 

The RANGEGUIDES, like the GPO riflescopes and binoculars, have been designed by hunters for hunters. The 8×50 and 10×50 RANGEGUIDE units are designed for hunters that want an optic that can transmit maximum light on the cusp of daylight, while the compact 8×32 and 10×32 units will make obsolete the hip-side handheld rangefinder because of the compact size and incredible optics.

Troy, MO. — A major multi-phase recreational expansion project at Missouri’s popular Cuivre River State Park is one step closer to completion thanks to teamwork among the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), several union locals and a handful of nearby businesses. 

Teams of union apprentices and instructors from the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 513 and the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) Local 527 recently completed earthwork and flatwork for a new archery range at the park. 

“This is something that we’ve always wanted to expand on,” says Jason Harrison, Cuivre River State Park Superintendent. 

Located near St. Louis and St. Charles metro areas, the park gets many visitors from those communities who come to be part of nature, he explains. 

“One of the missions of the State Park system is to increase recreational opportunities for our cliental,” he says, “and one of those is the archery program we offer to various groups. We’ve used a temporary Kevlar backdrop for the program in the past, so a state-of-the-art archery range is a natural fit for the park.”  

Federal Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooter Derrick Mein for becoming the 2023 Men’s Trap National Champion at the Shotgun National Championships held in Hillsdale, Michigan, May 25-28, 2023. Mein, a member of USA Shooting’s Shotgun National Team, was awarded a gold medal after achieving the top score at the match.

“This win means a lot to me since it brings me one step closer to making the Olympic Team for Paris 2024. Anytime you can win a national championship it is a big achievement, but I feel very blessed to stand at the top for three years in a row,” said Mein. “The U.S.A. has some of the absolute best trap shooters in the world, and to beat them you must be on top of your game. I knew I could count on my Federal ammunition to get the job done.”

While Mein has not yet earned an Olympic berth on Team U.S.A, he has been riding a wave of momentum coming into the first part of the qualifying process. 

“My expectations were high coming into our national championship, especially coming off a World Championship in February and earning the all-important Olympic Quota place,” continued Mein. “I felt like I could manage competing against some of the best in the world in tough conditions to bring home the victory.”

Federal is the number one choice for shotgun shells and manufactures product in America for all competitive and recreational disciplines. See the full lineup, including the latest High Over All, at www.federalpremium.com.

Tailgating, car camping, and picnicking from a small car or SUV has always been a bit problematic because there hasn’t been a table to utilize to put food down and somewhere to hold drinks.  No one wants to set food on the ground and blankets are uncomfortable and get dirty to easily, especially when drinks spill which is often the case on a picnic blanket. Space Innovations Lab has addressed this issue and as long as your vehicle has a latch hook you can have a Tail Table to utilize for your adventures into the outdoors. 

We first had the opportunity to meet Lawrence Bugg the founder of Space Innovations Lab several years ago at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Denver, Colorado.  We had the opportunity to learn a bit about his company and his passion for design and how he came up with the tail table and how he was growing his business.  In fact, it was the design that truly caught our eye and kept our attention over the years.  Every detail had been incredibly well thought out from cup holders for wine glasses to how secure the table was when latched onto a latch hook in the trunk of the car.  The only caveat was that it would not work on a vehicle with a fold down bed like our Tacoma at the time. 

However, the idea continued to resonate in my head and this last year after getting a SUV with a hatchback and a latch hook, we had the opportunity to finally test out the tail table on our very own picnic.   We stopped at Whole Foods and picked up some refreshments and some sushi and headed out to our local park to celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary.  It was a warm and perfect day, so the park was a little crowded but we found a nice spot near a large tree and broke out the table and had a wonderful visit just the two of us. We made Mimosas, enjoyed some cheese and crackers and of course the sushi, it was perfect.  Sitting on the back tail of the car worked out extremely well and the center of the back part of the tail works as a perfect cutting table for cheese and apples.  The round center was great to set out food and the drink holders are very well thought out and kept our drinks from spilling. 

The way the design works it is great for two people with enough room to sit on the back tail of the car and have the table in between.  If you have more people you can bring a few extra chairs and everyone had enough room to mill around comfortably and with enough glasses for quite a few friends and family. 

The table locks in incredibly well and it was extremely sturdy and well designed.  The entire packet folds up into a single carry case and if you get the Deluxe package which we highly suggest you have glasses and a full case to carry everything.

Written by Ace Luciano

The Seek Outside Courthouse tent is a remarkable shelter designed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors while providing ample space and comfort for its occupants. With its durable construction, ease of setup, and versatile design, this tent is a top choice for adventurers seeking reliable protection in various environments. With the resurgence of “hot tent” camping and all of the new options in the marketplace, the Courthouse Tent stands above most others in the areas of ease of use, portability and durability despite its light weight. 

Setting up the Courthouse tent is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive design and thoughtful features. The tent comes with lightweight aluminum poles that are color-coded for easy identification, making assembly a straightforward process. It typically takes two people around 15 to 20 minutes to fully set up the tent, including staking it down securely. The tent’s instructions are clear and concise, ensuring that even those with minimal camping experience can quickly and efficiently pitch the shelter.

One of the standout features of the Courthouse tent is its spaciousness. With a floor area of 96 square feet and a peak height of 72 inches, this tent offers ample headroom and room for gear storage. The interior space comfortably accommodates up to four people, making it an excellent choice for group camping trips or family outings. Additionally, the tent features two large doors and vestibules on each side, providing convenient access and extra storage space for equipment. Durability is a key factor in any outdoor shelter, and the Seek Outside Courthouse tent excels in this regard. The tent is constructed from robust materials, including a durable polyester ripstop fabric with a polyurethane coating, which provides excellent water resistance and UV protection. The tent’s lack of a floor helps ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear. No hot ember burns from the stove, and it’s easy to use a poly tarp for versatility. Reinforced stress points further enhance the tent’s overall strength, making it capable of withstanding challenging weather conditions.

In terms of versatility, the Courthouse tent is a true all-rounder. Its design incorporates a modular setup, allowing users to customize the tent according to their needs. The tent can be set up with a lightweight mesh inner tent for enhanced bug protection during warmer seasons or without the inner tent for a more spacious and breathable shelter during milder weather. This adaptability makes the Courthouse tent suitable for a wide range of environments, from hot summer trips to colder, snow-covered landscapes.

One of the notable advantages of the Courthouse tent is its compatibility with a wood-burning stove. Seek Outside offers a range of compatible stove options, specifically designed to work seamlessly with their tents. The tent features a stove jack, a designated opening with a fireproof material, which allows you to safely install and use a stove inside the tent. This feature is a game-changer for cold-weather camping or expeditions in areas where a reliable heat source is essential. The stove provides warmth, allows for cooking, and creates a cozy atmosphere within the tent, even in freezing temperatures. The ability to use a wood-burning stove makes the Courthouse tent an excellent choice for winter camping, hunting trips, or any adventure where staying warm and comfortable is crucial.

The pursuit of hunting has been a part of human existence for millennia. It’s a tradition steeped in historical, cultural, and even existential significance. In recent decades, technology has begun to reshape this ancient practice, ushering in a new era of possibilities and potential. The core essence of hunting remains consistent – the thrill, patience, and challenge. Still, the methods, strategies, and tools have evolved dramatically. This blog will delve into how hunting is being innovatively reshaped by technological advancements, reflecting on the implications for future hunters.

Soaring Above: The Impact of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Among the most significant shifts in hunting methodologies has been the advent of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones. Drones have revolutionized various sectors, and hunting is no exception. They offer an exceptional perspective, allowing hunters to scout large expanses of terrain rapidly, trace the movement of game, and devise strategic plans based on real-time observations.

The utilization of drones in hunting mitigates several challenges, making scouting safer, more efficient, and less physically demanding. However, their use is not without controversy. Some argue that drones can create an unfair advantage and potentially stress wildlife. This debate has prompted new regulations around drone use in hunting, varying across different countries and states.

Groundbreaking Advancements in Firearm Technology

The essence of hunting, the firearm, has also seen profound advancements. Today’s firearms bear the historical design elements of their predecessors but are enhanced with state-of-the-art technology. Contemporary guns optimize power, precision, reliability, and safety. They are equipped with advanced features like computerized scopes for better accuracy, digital round counters, and even biometric security measures.

Moreover, buying and selling firearms has become an easier task, thanks to digital platforms. A case in point: the easiest way to sell a gun online is CashForArms.com, a platform that facilitates the secure trade of firearms. It provides an avenue for hunters to upgrade their equipment to more advanced, tech-enhanced models.

Traveling with a large group can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. On the one hand, it is a chance to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. On the other hand, it can be a logistical nightmare. 

Thankfully, you can make traveling with a large group a breeze with proper planning and organization. Here are 10 ways to do it:

1. Choose a Leader

One of the essential steps to traveling with a large group is to choose a leader. The leader should be organized, responsible, and communicate well. 

The leader will make travel arrangements, create an itinerary, and ensure everyone in the group is informed and prepared for the trip. Having a group leader will make it easier for everyone to stay on the same page, and any issues that arise can be addressed quickly.

2. Set a Budget

When traveling with a large group, setting a budget everyone can afford is essential. This will help avoid financial stress and ensure the entire group is on the same page. To set a budget, consider the cost of travel, accommodations, meals, and activities. Research the average costs of these things in your destination and develop a budget that works for everyone.

Competition has raised more than $6 million since it began 34 years ago.  

More than 940 anglers and 470 boats hit the water in Palatka over the weekend during the 34th annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament, one of the largest bass fishing tournaments in Florida.

The three-day event featured different competitions each day with the main tournament on Saturday, May 20. Daniel Robertson and Steven Keith of High Springs, Fla., won first place overall with a five-fish aggregate weight of 25.11 lbs. Second place went to Randall Alvarez of Starke, Fla., and Jocham Williams of Macclenny, Fla., with a total weight of 24.42 lbs. Chris Cercy of Middleburg, Fla., and Eric Roberts of Jacksonville, Fla., took home third place with a weight of 21.75 lbs.

The winners of Thursday’s Lads and Lasses Tournament were: Syler Prince and Rileigh Stout of Palatka, Fla., with a five-fish aggregate weight of 23.95 lbs., followed by Ronnie Council and Reta Szlosek of Palatka, Fla., in second place with an overall weight of 21.83 lbs. Charles and Kelly Moody of Green Cove Springs, Fla., placed third with an overall weight of 19.49 lbs.

During the VIP & Friends Tournament on Friday, May 19, Danny Inabnett and Randy Sievert of DeLeon, Fla., took home first place with a five-fish aggregate weight of 17.73 lbs. Derek Daniels of Macclenny, Fla., and Michael Johnson of Raiford, Fla., came in second place with an overall weight of 17.18 lbs., and Eric Lewis and Kevin Flanigan of Jacksonville, Fla., came in third with an overall weight of 16.34 lbs.

Herrin, IL — More than 70 youth gathered at Herrin City Park, May 20, to wet a line during the Take Kids Fishing Day hosted by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 773.

A group of 20 volunteers from Local 773 were on hand to help the kids bait hooks and catch catfish, bass and panfish from the city park lake during the free community event. Later, union volunteers served lunch to the children and their families, and each young angler went home with a free rod-and-reel, courtesy of the USA.

Overall, union members donated more than 80 hours of their time in planning and putting on the Take Kids Day event in Herrin.

“This is the first time our community has had an event like this in quite a while,” says Jerry Womick, LIUNA International Midwest Region Representative and co-organizer of the Take Kids Fishing Day in Herrin. “At one time another group held an annual fishing event for special needs children, but there hasn’t been anything like that for a few years.”

As a USA Board Proxy, LIUNA International Assistant Regional Manager Matt Smith is familiar with all the community-oriented programs the USA offers and proposed reviving a kids’ fishing day.

Earlington, KY. — More than 170 youth and their families attended the first-ever Take Kids Fishing Day held on Lake Lockmary at the Earlington City Park, May 20. Hosted by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), IUE-CWA Local 83701 and the city of Earlington, the free event was designed to get local youngsters outdoors and learn about the sport of fishing. 

“The turnout was incredible, especially for a first-time event,” says union member Loman Scarbrough, event organizer and President of the Hopkins County Sportsmen and Sportswomen Club. “All the kids had a wonderful time.” 

Rain and cold weather in the days leading up to the event broke just in time to ensure a pleasant experience for the budding anglers, he added. “About a half hour after the rain stopped, cars started flooding into the park, and people kept arriving throughout the morning.” 

More than 30 members of Local 83701 were on hand to help the young anglers rig fishing rods, bait hooks and catch catfish, bass and panfish from the lake. Overall, union members donated well over 500 hours of their time to plan and host the event in Earlington. 

Fishing was followed by a free lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs for the children and their families, after which each participant took home a free rod-and-reel, courtesy of the USA. 

By John Good

There’s nothing more fulfilling than having your firearm ready when you need it. But if your firearm discharges unintentionally, you may face a real dilemma. 

It’s more common than you think. It is estimated that 492 people unintentionally die by a firearm in an average year according to the Aftermath website.  https://www.aftermath.com/content/accidental-shooting-deaths-statistics/

In the case of a negligent discharge, the fault lies entirely with the person handling the gun and could have been prevented.  This is a timely lesson, if you are following the case against actor Alec Baldwin in the 2021 “Rust” movie set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 

An unintended discharge may result due to an incompatibility behind the firearm design, such as the phenomenon of locking on a round in a closed bolt machine gun, a mechanical malfunction such as in the case of a slam fire in an automatic weapon or be user-induced due to training issues or negligence. This is often attributed to an activation of the trigger mechanism which results in an unplanned discharge, which is outside of the firearm’s prescribed use.

wethepeopleholsters.com differentiates between negligent discharge and accidental discharge. “Typically, the negligent nature of a discharge is caused by a failure to observe gun safety rules. 

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – On the weekend of May 19-22, Suman Sanghera, 17, of Great Falls, VA, returned to the Camp Perry Open to overtake the pistol portion of the annual air gun competition for the second consecutive year. Last year, Sanghera led the Junior class, but in 2023, she showed her strengths by going on to claim the Open match as well as the overall win in the Super Final event.

The Camp Perry Open features three-position precision/sporter air rifle and smallbore matches as well as 60 shot air rifle and air pistol competitions, split into Open and Junior categories. The event is hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) at the indoor Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center and the outdoor Petrarca Range – both located on the grounds of Camp Perry. Each event includes qualifying rounds, followed by an elimination final that determines overall winners. Team events were also held concurrently with the 3×20 air rifle and 60 shot qualification matches during the weekend.

Sanghera, a senior athlete, is a member of the NOVA Sharpshooters team and is the top ranked women’s 10-meter air pistol athlete in the U.S. Among other accolades, she’s a national record holder and has won numerous gold medals over her career. This fall, she’ll attend The Ohio State University as a member of the pistol team, studying to become a physician. With her success, in 2023, she was chosen by the CMP Scholarship Committee as one of the Top 4 athletes to receive a recurring $5,000 over the next four years ($20,000 overall) through the CMP Scholarship Program.

A family affair, Sanghera’s brother, Bhavjeet, 20, landed in third place in both the Junior and Open categories after earning third in the Junior match at last year’s event.

Also finding wins at the 2023 Camp Perry Open was Molly McGhin, 21, of Griffin, GA, who claimed the Open 60 Shot Rifle event, while Katrina Demerle, 18, of Hamilton, Ohio, led the junior competition. Demerle had earned first overall in the 3×20 match in the precision class on the opening day of the Camp Perry Open, with Charles Bratton, 18, of Clover, SC, leading the sporter class.

The industry leader in hunting gear once again partners with Folds of Honor to raise funds and awareness.

This Memorial Day SITKA Gear will once again hit pause on its online and retail sales and will instead honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by partnering with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization which helps provide life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled military.

SITKA’s “Forget the Sales. Remember the Fallen.” initiative is an important reminder that Memorial Day was created to remember and honor the legacy of Armed Forces veterans who lost their lives defending our freedom. SITKA will promote awareness, respect and gratitude on Monday, May 29th, by shutting down the SITKA Gear e-commerce site and the SITKA Depot retail store for the day and instead redirecting visitors to Folds of Honor. Last year, SITKA’s efforts and generosity resulted in eight scholarships for the families of our nation’s heroes through this important nonprofit organization.

“Memorial Day wasn’t created for buying new gear or shopping sales,” said Steve DelRosso, Business Leader and General Manager of SITKA Gear. “Last year our efforts on this day supported 8 scholarships to the family members of fallen soldiers. The lives impacted by our efforts in 2022 inspired us to continue this initiative and hopefully inspire other businesses to stand with us. So this year we’re asking everyone to help us spread the word to forget the sales and remember the fallen on this special day.”

Added Col Nick Nichols, President Folds of Honor Foundation, “Folds of Honor is proud to partner with SITKA, and we are beyond grateful for their generosity and support. As a combat veteran, I am especially proud of how SITKA honors our fallen heroes on Memorial Day by directing all of their website traffic to Folds of Honor. In their words, ’TODAY IS ABOUT THE FALLEN NOT ABOUT SALES’. Together we will ensure these military families achieve their educational dreams. Beyond thankful!”

Nampa, ID –   AmmoSquared Inc., the pioneer in online ammunition backed holdings, is answering the call from consumers seeking non-traditional ways to diversify their assets. The company offers a unique service by allowing customers to accumulate and store physical ammunition holdings off-site, providing an innovative way for individuals to build and protect tangible wealth while hedging against economic uncertainties.

As the global economy faces unprecedented challenges, many individuals are turning away from traditional asset accounts that can be vulnerable to fiat currency shocks such as stocks, bonds, and money market accounts. AmmoSquared’s ammunition-backed digital wallet offers a new approach for those concerned about the declining value of fiat currencies and the risks associated with conventional financial institutions.

“Ammunition is a physical, tangible asset that will never be worth zero,” says AmmoSquared CEO Dan Morton, “It’s more stable than cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are still too volatile for most people to reliably use as an alternative store of value. Ammunition is more like gold, with intrinsic value based on the effort and cost of raw materials. It will never be worthless, nor will it vanish due to a tweet or hacker.”

“Ammunition is a physical, tangible asset that will never be worth zero,” says AmmoSquared CEO Dan Morton, “It’s more stable than cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are still too volatile for most people to reliably use as an alternative store of value. Ammunition is more like gold, with intrinsic value based on the effort and cost of raw materials. It will never be worthless, nor will it vanish due to a tweet or hacker.”

The company has also introduced features typically found in financial products, such as limit orders, percentage gains and loss tracking, and the ability to exchange between different calibers with just a few clicks. These features, combined with an easy-to-use interface, make AmmoSquared an attractive option for those seeking to purchase and store ammunition as an alternative safe haven for their excess funds.

Fire up your backyard barbecue and get ready to impress – the grilling season is just around the corner! There is a world of possibilities for great outdoor eating, so avid backyard grillmasters must ensure they are fully prepared for an epic cook-off.

Preparation is Key

Start by stocking essential supplies like charcoal, matches, and lighter fluid. Get good cooking tools, such as tongs, spatulas, knives, and forks, to cook safely and efficiently. Ensure the grill is clean and in good condition. Finally, take some time to review the basics of grilling before firing up the barbeque for optimal results this spring and summer.

When seeking cooking tools for BBQ season, get a good set. Tongs are great for flipping and turning food on the grill without burning hands. Spatulas are ideal for delicate items like fish and vegetables, as they help to turn delicate items without breaking them apart. 

Before BBQ season begins, ensuring all knives are sharpened and ready for use is a good idea. When selecting and sharpening knives for grilling, look for blades with a medium-length and pointed tip. Chef’s knives are great for cutting up a variety of veggies, and large pieces of meat like steak or salmon for kabobs, while pairing knives are ideal for smaller slicing tasks. A sharpening system is an invaluable tool that can help keep your blades in prime condition throughout the season; make sure to sharpen frequently to maintain the razor-sharp edge of kitchen knives.

The grant will support Delta’s Duck Production programs in Manitoba, benefitting hunters across Canada and the United States

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — A grant from the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund is providing valuable resources to grow Delta Waterfowl’s Hen House program and enhance duck production efforts in Canada.  

The $21,320 grant will fund the construction and installation of 100 new Hen Houses in Manitoba. Field work for the recently approved project will begin near the end of 2023, targeting areas with suitable wetlands and a high density of nesting mallards. Project Hen Houses will be ready for mallards at the beginning of the 2024 nesting season.

“Our Hen House program has grown substantially in recent years,” said Matt Chouinard, senior waterfowl programs director for Delta Waterfowl. “Grants like these are critical—they make an integral difference in our programs, especially as we continue to scale them up as part of the Million Duck Campaign.”

Hen Houses, which are used primarily by mallards, are nesting cylinders made with wire fencing and flax straw and erected on a post in small wetlands. Hens and their nests are safe in Hen Houses from many predators including red foxes, badgers, and skunks that frequently destroy duck nests in sparse patches of grass. Research has shown that mallards using Hen Houses in some intensely farmed regions of Canada are 12 times more likely to hatch a nest than a mallard nesting in the grass.

CAMP PERRY, OH – After careful review, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has presented 114 scholarships to outstanding junior marksmen through the CMP Scholarship Program for the 2023-2024 school year.

Along with a generous $30,000 contribution from the Garand Collectors Association (GCA), the CMP awarded $220,000 in scholarships to remarkable young individuals from across the country as well as four repeat $5,000 scholarships (totaling $20,000 over four years for each recipient) to those applicants who best represented the ideals of CMP’s Scholarship Program. Top applicants were chosen by the CMP Scholarship Committee.

Earning the Top 4, $20,000 scholarships were Charles Bratton (Clover, SC), Emma Lawrence (Shelbyville, KY), Suman Sanghera (Great Falls, VA) and Alliston Zane (Pittsburgh, PA).

The CMP awarded 58 total one-time, $1,000 scholarships to students nationwide, along with 12 others to students local to Ohio and Alabama. Additionally, the CMP presented $3,000 scholarships to the next top 20 students and $5,000 scholarships to the preceding 20 excelling students.

Receiving the $5,000 scholarships were Ella Allen (Nashville, TN), Emily Buck (Alabaster, AL), Elijah Butler (Austin, TX), Katrina Demerle (Ross, OH), Nathan Engman (Albertville, MN), Dylan Gregory (Naperville, IL), Madelyn Lee (Dawsonville, GA), Maggie Mizelle (Sylacauga, AL), Leah Mueller (Iola, KS), Casia Steinhaus (Devils Lake, ND), Ariana Sun (Honolulu, HI), Ryan Wee (Wake Forest, NC), Isabella Baldwin (Nashville, TN), Reese Burnett (Pierre Part, LA), Bremen Butler (Fort Wayne, IN), Esther Moore (Bentonville, AK), Julia Oubre (Acworth, GA), Leo Veatch (Agate, CO), Vincent Xu (Andover, MA) and Samantha Zermeno (Fort Mill, SC).

A TEXAS SPECIALTY- CEVICHE MADE FROM FRESH MARSH-CAUGHT REDFISH

The Texas spring had been a windy one! I had been watching and waiting for the wind to lay down, hoping for an opportunity to hit the marsh in my Old Town kayak and chase some skinny water redfish. Finally, after a couple of months of waiting, I saw a predicted stretch of weather where the wind was supposed to lay down and be almost non-existent. If you’ve ever fished in Texas, wind is one of those commodities that’s hard to get away from. I quickly made arrangements to hit the water, chasing some Texas gold. I packed my truck with fishing necessities and beat feet to a friend’s house in Houston, where I would base myself for a redfish adventure.  

As I departed Houston a couple of mornings later, I hit a major traffic jam. The day was going to be shorter than I initially expected. Reaching the boat launch much later in the day than anticipated had me feeling rushed. Upon first inspection, I noticed a nice change from the water I fished the day before–the clarity of the water in the Intercoastal Canal. I fished closer to Houston the day before, but thanks to 14 inches of rain the preceding week, all of the water I had found was as excessively dirty. Pulling up and finding clean green water was a boon, making the long drive south from Houston worth the extra time! 

I quickly loaded my kayak and got it launched. I worked my way across the Intercoastal and entered a series of cuts, lakes, and drains where I planned on targeting skinny water redfish. I had barely entered the marsh when I saw a flash up ahead of me that was definitely not mullet. As I got closer, I could clearly see the redfish easing along the skinny shoreline, prospecting his way through the marsh grass, looking for an easy lunch. Incredible! I was only a hundred yards into this flat and had already found my intended quarry. I gently pitched a LIVETARGET Fleeing Shrimp in front of him, but I cast a bit closer than intended and flushed him like a spooked quail. 

Working my way along the marsh edge, I began to see a few more fish, and I finally realized they were all cruising off a point in the marsh grass, where the current was flowing on the incoming tide. The reds were all swimming slowly up the current line, hunting for a fresh meal. It became apparent that my best bet was to anchor up and let the fish come to me since I was spooking them before I could get a cast off in the clear water. 

Second Amendment advocates are finding themselves in a constant game of Whac-A-Mole with officials who support gun control, working to get the courts to invalidate a seemingly unending onslaught of state laws that seek to prevent citizens from having any practical ability to carry a firearm legally.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association vs. Bruen that the Second Amendment prohibits state or local governments from requiring applicants to demonstrate a “special need” to issue a concealed carry permit.

States that included this requirement were known as “may issue” states; others were called “shall issue” states.

That sent “may issue” jurisdictions scrambling to change their concealed carry laws to comply with Bruen, while still limiting the right to carry, despite the plain language of the Second Amendment that states “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Maryland was one of those “may issue” states, and concealed carry applications there soared in response to Bruen.